Abstract: A payload support frame is adapted to suspend a payload from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during flight. The frame comprises at least one elongated rigid segment, at least one upper flexible segment at an upper end of the rigid segment, and at least one lower flexible segment at a lower end of the rigid segment. One or more of (a) the at least one rigid segment, (b) the at least one upper flexible segment, or (c) the at least one lower flexible segment comprise a dielectric material. The upper flexible segment is adapted to be selectively attachable, directly or indirectly, to the UAV. The lower flexible segment is adapted to be selectively attachable, directly or indirectly, to the payload.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for coupling and controlling transport of cargo using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are provided, comprising coupling at least one electronically-controllable attachment device positioned on an underside of the UAV to a sling cable, the sling cable being secured to the cargo. The UAV flies to a predetermined area above the cargo, and responsive to determining that the UAV is positioned within the predetermined area, the UAV elevates above the initial operating height to lift the cargo and navigates to a target location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of container handling, and more particular to a container side loader. The container side loader includes a base, a combined gantry, a sling, and a plurality of control mechanisms such as lifting, rotation, inclination, control mechanisms and the like. The loader can directly perform container side handling on various freight platforms of an electrical railway line, and has the functions of moving and conveying a heavy container, overturning and unloading an inverted container, overturning and loading a vertical container, and stacking two layers of heavy containers.

Abstract: A lifting devices can include a tube with a first slot and a second slot. The devices also include an insert with a first insert projection connected to a second insert projection by a central portion. The first insert projection extends through the first slot and the second insert projection extends through the second slot. A first plate and a second plate are each connected to the central portion of the insert. The lifting devices can be used in a method of lifting a tanker truck or other structures.

Abstract: Adjustable load leveler apparatus and related methods for use with automotive manufacturing systems are disclosed. A disclosed automotive manufacturing system includes a hoist supported by a support structure and configured to carry a vehicle component. The automotive manufacturing system also includes a load leveler mechanism attached to the hoist. The load leveler mechanism includes a frame, a weight movably coupled to the frame, and an actuator operatively coupled to the weight. The automotive manufacturing system also includes control circuitry connected to the actuator and an input device connected to the control circuitry and configured to generate input data in response to a user interacting with the input device. The control circuitry is configured to move, via the actuator, the weight relative to the hoist based on the input data to adjust a levelness of the hoist.

Abstract: In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a build material volume transportation device is described. The build material volume transportation device includes a shuttle to transport a build material volume. The shuttle includes an opening therethrough to receive the build material volume. The build material volume transportation device also includes a build tray to raise the build volume into the opening in the shuttle. The build material volume transportation device further includes a latch assembly to releasably secure the build tray to the shuttle. A tip of the latch assembly extends to interface with the aperture to secure the build tray to the shuttle. The tip rotates independently of the piston.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for rotating a suspended load around a substantially vertical axis, the assembly comprising an inner rim configured to have a fixed relationship with the suspended load to be rotated, an outer rim engaging the inner rim in a manner so that the inner and outer rims are configured to perform rotational movements relative to each other during rotation of the suspended load, and a drive unit for performing the relative rotational movement between the inner and outer rims. The assembly of the present invention may be secured to a lifting yoke for lifting wind turbine related components, such as entire wind turbine towers, wind turbine tower sections, nacelles, rotor blades or containers.

Abstract: A rotator apparatus (10, 100, 200) for rotationally positioning a suspended load (16). A flywheel (44, 144) can be directly or indirectly driven by a motor (40, 140). Vanes (50, 150) on a fan (45) or on the flywheel can be used to provide additional rotational control through air resistance/braking. A controller (20, 24, 120, 124) can provide wired or wireless control. Thrusters (52) can provide additional rotational impetus or resistance. One or more load cells (54, 232, 234) can provide load sensing. Cameras (28) can be used to visualise the load and can record load moving operations and details of the load for logistics tracking and safety. The attachment part (202) and/or the load support (216) can be connected to the body via a respective pivot (204, 214). The apparatus can include replaceable or rechargeable batteries (206, 210), such as within in a removable container (230), preferably supported by at least one drawer (231), which drawer may be mounted on telescopic drawer slides (212).

Abstract: A load control apparatus and method for controlling movement of a suspended load is disclosed. The load control apparatus includes: a base for attachment to or forming part of a load; a support element pivotally secured to and extending from the base for receiving and/or connecting to a lift line; and actuation means connected to the support element and to the base at respective positions which are spaced from the pivotal connection between the support element and the base such that actuation, in use, of the actuation means causes the base to pivot relative to the support element.

Abstract: An anti-swing device for offshore wind turbine tower installation which reduces pendular motion of the tower component during mating process. Subsystems are at the transition piece, tower, and bridge. Winches are arranged on and fixed to the tower's inner wall and connected through cables. A remote signal transceiver and acquisition controller are arranged and fixed to the tower's inner wall. The transceiver controls the connector at the tower end and servo winch motors which control the cables to adjust the position of the suspended tower component. The controller acquires tension signals on the cables from the tower and transmits signals to the transceiver. Acceleration sensors are included in the acquisition controller. Several connector are included in the tower end and fixed at the bottom of the tower component. The number of connectors is the same as winches at the transition piece and their positions correspond.

Abstract: A universal slab removal device for picking up and moving large slabs of cement, concrete or any other types of heavy solid material using any type of lifting machine. The universal slab removal device includes an anchor assembly including an elongated anchor member adapted to be fastened to a slab of heavy solid material such as cement, pavement, and stone and be lifted with a lifting apparatus such as a fork lift and the like.

Abstract: A system for controlling the orientation of a hanging load, the system comprising a lifting frame (20) being connectable to a load to be lifted, on which lifting frame two or more flywheel units (9) are arranged, the flywheel units (9) each comprising a flywheel (10) rotary arranged in a gimbal (11) which again is rotary arranged in a gimbal support (15) along an axis of rotation (6) being perpendicular to the axis of rotation (8) of the flywheel (10), where an electric motor (12) is arranged for rotating the flywheel (10), and a tilting motor (13) is arranged to tilt the gimbal by rotating the gimbal about its axis of rotation (6), wherein the system further comprises a control unit for individually controlling the speed and the direction of rotation of the flywheels, and the tilting of the gimbals, the control system being adopted for re-initialization of a flywheel units (9) either by reducing the speed of rotation fully or partly, tilting the gimbals to a new starting position, and spinning up the flywhee

Abstract: A side lift spreader for handling empty containers, and method for adjusting a main frame of an inverted side lift spreader. The inverted side lift spreader comprises a main carriage connectable to a lifting device, movable along a front side of a mast of the lifting device, the main frame being carried by and sideways movable with respect to the main carriage, and main frame guiding means for guiding movement of the main frame with respect to the main carriage. The main frame guiding means comprises at least two links, one first portion of each link connected to the main frame and one second portion of each link connected to the main carriage. The second portions of the links are arranged at the main carriage at respective points of attachment which are located, in use of the spreader, at an opposite side of the mast compared to the front side.

Abstract: An engagement assembly (1) for mounting to a first head block (2) so as to engage a Second head block (5), the assembly comprising: at least one mounting bracket for mounting the assembly to the first head block (2); a plurality of extendable members each connected at a first end to the at least one mounting bracket, a second opposed end of each extendable member being extendable away from the first head block; a plurality of engagement portions (50 A,B) in communication with the second ends such that extensions of the second ends consequently extends the engagement portions (25), the engagement portions adapted to engage engagement brackets (30) mounted to the second head block (5), wherein on engagement the engagement assembly permits selective relative movement in the horizontal plane and free relative vertical movement.

Abstract: A component engagement apparatus for use in automated systems is provided. The engagement apparatus includes a main body and at least one retaining member coupled to the main body. The retaining member is configured to couple a component to the engagement apparatus such that the component is retained within the component engagement apparatus in a first predefined position. A plurality of alignment members are coupled to the main body such that each of the alignment members are positioned a predefined distance from the retaining members. The alignment members are each configured to align the component within the engagement apparatus when the component moves, via gravity, from the first predefined position to a second predefined position.

Abstract: A hoist device with leveling and disengagement mechanism mainly comprises a stand under traditional hoist, a plural number of branches on the stand extending radially outward, a plural number of driving modules on each branch of the stand and being able to connect to a hung object, a plural number of sensing modules on each driving module to sense the operation status for each driving module and continue to output corresponding sensing signal, a control circuit that can output control signals to control each driving module while each sensing module can sense the status of each driving module and feedback to the control circuit to correct the output control signals, allowing each driving module on the stand to level and disengage the hung object, and enabling the hoist to lift the hung object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for moving a wind turbine component, such as a wind turbine hub, from a transportation position to a wind turbine assembly position. The method comprises the steps of: attaching a handling unit to a structural part of the wind turbine component, operatively connecting the handling unit to a wire of a crane system, lifting the wind turbine component with the crane system to an assembly position of the wind turbine, the handling unit and the wind turbine component being suspended from a wire of the crane system, and rotating the wind turbine component with the handling unit during the lifting of the wind turbine component in order to orientate the wind turbine component for assembly. The invention also relates to a handling unit and a wind turbine hub and use hereof.

Abstract: A component handling system for use in a wind turbine is described herein. The wind turbine includes a rotor, a drive train assembly supported from a support frame, and a drive shaft that is rotatably coupled between the rotor and the drive train assembly. The component handling system includes a lifting assembly that is removably coupled to a component of the drive train and a lifting device. The lifting assembly is configured to support the component from the lifting device, and includes a plurality of lifting legs extending between the component and the lifting device. An alignment device is coupled to at least one lifting leg of the plurality of lifting legs, and is configured to adjust a length of the at least one lifting leg to adjust an orientation of the component with respect to the drive shaft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for handling and maneuvering a tower section of a wind turbine with a crane. First and second lifting locations on the tower section are respectively connected with first and second sheave members on a beam coupled with a lifting mechanism of the crane. While the tower section is suspended from the beam at the first and second lifting locations, the tower section is rotated about an axis of rotation associated with the second sheave member to change its angular orientation. In response to rotation about the axis of rotation, the second sheave member is configured to move along the beam relative to the first sheave member so that the separation between the first and second sheave members is changed. Alternatively, a center of mass of the tower section may be moved relative to the beam in response to the rotation of the tower section.

Abstract: A gripping organ for load-moving vehicles comprises a support structure (7), removably engageable to a support arm (4) of a load-moving vehicle (2); at least gripping pliers (8), operatively engaged to the support structure (7) and predisposed to engage at least an object (P) to be moved, the gripping pliers (8) comprising at least a pair of gripping elements (16) which are mobile between an operating position, in which the gripping elements (16) engage the object (P), and a non-operating position, in which the gripping elements (16) are disengaged from the object (P); the pliers (8) being translatable along a translating direction (A) and rotatable about a rotation axis (B) which is perpendicular to the translating direction (A).

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a load bar assembly. The method includes providing a first linear stage having a first alignment mechanism that is configured to move the load bar assembly in a first direction. A second linear stage is provided that includes a second alignment mechanism that is configured to move the load bar in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The first alignment mechanism is positioned with respect to the second alignment mechanism such that the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are prevented from being back-driven. The first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are configured to lock if one of the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism fails.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rotating objects that shift the center of gravity of an object, such as a wing assembly, from a position outside the rotation axis area of the object to a position within the rotation axis area of the object. In one example, a material handling system that employs rotatable slings may be used to rotate an object by shifting the suspended center of gravity from a position outside the rotation axis area (i.e., outside the rotatable slings in at least one position of rotation) to a position within the rotation axis area (i.e., between the slings at all positions of rotation). The suspended center of gravity may be shifted using at least one ballast component (or other suitable force-applying device) that exerts a force on the object in a direction and magnitude sufficient to so shift the suspended center of gravity of the object.

Abstract: The present invention is a pod opener having an end effector which: a. grips and releases a reticle supported above the base of a pod; and b. while transferring the reticle between the base of the pod and an adjacent IC photolithography tool, reorients the reticle. In one embodiment, the pod opener reorients the reticle by rotating it about a single axis disposed substantially perpendicular to its patterned surface. In another embodiment, the present invention is a pod opener which while transferring the reticle between the base of the pod and an adjacent IC photolithography tool, in addition to effecting rotation substantially perpendicular to a reticle's patterned surface, also turns the reticle over so a patterned surface of the reticle is oriented for proper focus within the IC photolithography tool.

Abstract: A container lift intended to lift two containers arranged longitudinally that comprises a primary frame (4), external transverse beams (7, 8) arranged on the primary frame (4) with external locking means (9) for locking the short sides of the containers that face away from each other, saddles (5, 6) arranged on the primary frame (4) such that they can be displaced, locking means (9) arranged on the lower surfaces of the saddles (5, 6) for locking two containers with their short sides facing towards each other. At least one of the saddles (5, 6) intended to lock the short sides of the containers that are facing each other can be displaced in a principally sideways direction relative to the primary frame in order to be able to lift displaced containers or containers that are twisted relative to each other.

Abstract: A leveling device for a lifting apparatus having a load-carrying member includes a level arm-carrying member and a pair of leveling arms having a first end pivotally connected thereto that are independently moveable between extended and retracted positions. The leveling device also includes a level sensor carried by the load-carrying member, and a controller in communication with the level sensor. The controller moves the leveling arms between the extended and retracted positions responsive to the level sensor sensing the load-carrying member being out of level.

Abstract: A lifting device for containers comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder arranged on a support frame with a piston and piston rod and at least two, spaced-apart horizontal guiding cross-bars. Lengthwise displacement of the piston rod is transformed into a synchronous upward and downward movement by at least one angle lever pivoted on the support frame. The at least one angle lever comprises two lever arms, one of the lever arms being connected to the piston rod and the other of the lever arms being connected to one of the guiding cross-bars. The guiding cross-bars are connected to a load receiving device for the container and are guided on vertical support pillars of the support frame at both ends for lifting and lowering the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spreader system without electric cables for lifting goods containers. The spreader system comprises a spreader and two pulley sets. Each pulley of the pulley sets is fitted with a geared ring, and gears are fixed on the headblock of the spreader. A tapered coupling is fixed on a gear shaft and is connected to planetary speeder, which is, in turn, connected to a bi-directional plunger pump. Through a hydraulic circuit, the bi-directional plunger pump is connected to a hydraulic accumulating power station which comprises a hydraulic accumulator, a nitrogen bottle connected to the hydraulic accumulator through a pipeline, an oil tank, an electric generator, a battery, and an oil motor connected to the electric generator and controlled by a magnetic valve. On the spreader, there is a remote control transmitter in order to transmit signals to the remote control receiver in the cab of a container crane.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval unit comprises a supporting carriage which is movable along a rack aisle on at least one substantially horizontal supporting rail by a drive. A vertically adjustable lifting platform is suspended from the supporting carriage via at least three traction devices. In order to prevent the lifting platform from being laterally deflected or starting to oscillate during accelerations of the supporting carriage, a stabilizing device is provided. The latter comprises at least three traction devices fastened to the sides of the lifting platform which are opposite in the direction of travel. At least two traction devices run to at least two fastening points arranged in the region of one end of the aisle; at least one further traction device runs to a fastening point arranged in the region of the other end of the aisle. The effective length of each traction device between the lifting platform and the fastening point can be changed by a drive.

Abstract: A mechanism for transporting a hub is provided. Particularly, a transport mechanism for a pelletizer knife hub is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a clamp for selectively engaging and releasing the shaft of the pelletizer knife hub. The clamp is connected to a support bar. The support bar, in turn, has a hoisting connector for being raised, lowered, and maneuvered by a hoisting system. According to the mechanisms of the present invention, the clamp is rotatable relative to the hoisting system. In one embodiment, a counter-balance to the hub is provided. In another arrangement, the hoisting system supports the hub above the hub for balancing the system.

Abstract: A device for remotely controlled pick-up, connection and disconnection of for example a coupling ring (52) of a lifting straddle (50) to a lifting hook (6) of a lifting device (2), wherein a positioning/pick-up device (1) is connected to a lifting wire (4) of the lifting device (2).

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the orientation of the load in cranes, in which the load hung from cables is rotated by a predetermined absolute angle using rotating gear between cable and load. Under the invention, here a regulating device is provided for the rotating gear with which torsion oscillations of the load are suppressed, where, as input values, the absolute rotating angular speed and the angular position of the rotating gear are measured and fed back to the setting input.

Abstract: A lifting device that simultaneously lifts a plurality of retaining wall blocks initially oriented in a triangular configuration on a pallet and allows them to be easily realigned in a linear configuration on a retaining wall. The lifting device comprises two pivoting lateral extending side arms with clamping units attached to their distal ends. Attached to the main planar frame is a central clamping unit. Each clamping unit includes an insert member that inserts into a large, vertically aligned hole formed in the block. When the clamping units are inserted into the hole and activated, three triangularly aligned sets of blocks on a pallet may be lifted. The side arms are designed to pivot rearward so that the front surfaces of the blocks are longitudinally aligned and the blocks are positioned in a side-by-side manner. Once properly realigned, the lifting device is lowered so that the three blocks are simultaneously placed over the top row of the retaining wall.

Abstract: This is a relatively simple load-lifting apparatus, tongs-like in appearance with a larger lower portion for grabbing loads of various sizes. It has two embracing halves, pivoted at a selected distance from the apparatus' top. It is designed to safely and reliably hold a person between its lower portions, without injuring one who may be disabled. Sensors have been added to enable it to sense the distance of the apparatus' lower portions from the object to be scooped up. When in range of the object its lower portions automatically separate, in order not to make contact with it, while being lowered. In its descent the apparatus could sway under the influence of wind gusts, thus not being able to precisely straddle the object to be retrieved. A technique using air bursts from solenoid-operated valves, mounted selectively on the apparatus to reduce the effect of wind-gusts, is provided. Compressed-air tanks are provided to supply the air to the valves.

Abstract: A suspension system for attaching a load-bearing member to a lifting mechanism of a hoisting apparatus for a person, in particular a handicapped person in sitting or recumbent disposition, includes a framework having at least three tow lines secured to the lifting mechanism and extending downwardly for attachment to the load-bearing member at points of securement positioned in front and behind a viewing direction of a person carried by the load-bearing member, thereby defining front and rear tow lines, wherein the front and rear tow lines are movable in opposition to one another in vertical direction.